Israeli Soldier Attacked by Terrorists Becomes Suspect After Reporting Incident

An Israeli soldier who was assaulted by terrorists near the West Bank settlement of Susya last weekend found himself under investigation after reporting the attack to police. The soldier was attacked during a hike near Susya in the southern Hebron Hills on Saturday. Terrorists at the scene assaulted him, stole his personal weapon, and attempted to shoot him. The soldier fought back, was injured, and managed to escape. Following the incident, the Israel Defense Forces arrested four terrorists involved in the attack.

On Wednesday, the soldier went to a police station to provide a detailed testimony as a victim. However, during the testimony, investigators reversed his status and began questioning him under caution on suspicion that he was the aggressor against the terrorists. After the interrogation and receiving legal counsel from attorney Nati Rom of the "Honenu" organization, the soldier was released to his home.

Attorney Rom sharply criticized the police's handling of the case, stating that the soldier was brutally attacked and defended himself, yet was treated as a suspect. Rom condemned the police practice of automatically investigating individuals who defend themselves as a deterrent that harms national security and must end.